Cheating Unforgivable for 84% of Singles Find – But Definitions Are Broad
A recent survey by Kinsey Institute and DatingNews reveals that while a large majority of singles believe sex outside a committed relationship constitutes the ultimate form of betrayal, many are increasingly defining cheating to include emotional and financial transgressions.
The study, titled State of Us: National Study on Modern Love & Dating in 2025, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,000 single U.S. adults between April. According to the results, 84% of respondents believe that having sex with someone else is unforgivable. Yet, more than half of singles also see forming a deep emotional bond or providing financial support to someone outside the relationship as grounds for infidelity.
Other findings demonstrate how modern technology and shifting expectations are reshaping relationship norms. Seventy percent of respondents classify kissing someone else as cheating, while 55% say they would end a relationship after an emotional attachment formed. Remarkably, 54% believe a companionable relationship with an AI chatbot qualifies as a betrayal.
The study also highlights gender, generational, and orientation-based variations. Women consistently set stricter boundaries – such as greater sensitivity to emotional and financial betrayals – while respondents identifying as LGBTQ+ showed slightly more flexibility in forgiveness. Boomers were the most likely age group to say that nothing can stop someone from cheating (32%), in contrast to Gen Z (16%).
In terms of actual behavior, one in five singles admitted to cheating in the past, and 76 % of those said they attempted to hide that fact. Most respondents cited deletion of messages (26%), meeting in remote locations (26 %), or creating alibis (10 %) among their concealment tactics. On the topic of prevention, 60% of respondents say open communication can reduce the likelihood of cheating. Other popular strategies include setting clear boundaries (49%) and prioritising regular quality time (38%).
